Clinical reference calculator · GeraClinic

Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) Calculator

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) measures average daytime sleepiness by rating the chance of dozing in eight everyday situations from 0 to 3, for a total of 0 to 24.

Quick answer

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) measures how likely you are to doze in eight everyday situations, each rated 0 (would never doze) to 3 (high chance), for a total of 0 to 24. Bands are 0–5 lower normal, 6–10 higher normal, 11–12 mild, 13–15 moderate, and 16–24 severe excessive daytime sleepiness.

Chance of dozing in each situation

Sitting and readingWatching TVSitting inactive in a public place (e.g. theatre/meeting)As a passenger in a car for an hour without a breakLying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permitSitting and talking to someoneSitting quietly after lunch without alcoholIn a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic

0/ 24

Lower normal daytime sleepiness (0–5).

An Epworth score of 0 out of 24. Totals of 11 or more suggest excessive daytime sleepiness that may warrant a clinical sleep evaluation. The scale measures subjective sleepiness — it does not diagnose a sleep disorder.

Validated formula

Each of the 8 situations is rated 0 (would never doze), 1 (slight chance), 2 (moderate chance), 3 (high chance of dozing). Total = sum of all 8 items, range 0–24.

Interpretation

0–5— Lower normal daytime sleepiness.
6–10— Higher normal daytime sleepiness.
11–12— Mild excessive daytime sleepiness.
13–15— Moderate excessive daytime sleepiness.
16–24— Severe excessive daytime sleepiness — consider sleep evaluation.

How to use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale calculator

1Rate each situation. For each of the eight situations (reading, watching TV, sitting in public, as a car passenger, lying down in the afternoon, talking, after lunch, stopped in traffic), choose 0 to 3 for your chance of dozing.
2Read the total. The tool sums the eight items for a total of 0 to 24.
3Interpret the band. Higher totals mean more daytime sleepiness; 11 or more suggests excessive sleepiness that may warrant evaluation.

Medical disclaimer: This is general health information, not medical advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition, and the results are estimates based on public reference formulas. Always consult a qualified doctor about your individual health. If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a normal Epworth score?⌄

A total of 0 to 10 is generally considered within the normal range. A score of 11 or more suggests excessive daytime sleepiness and may warrant a clinical sleep evaluation.

Does the Epworth scale diagnose a sleep disorder?⌄

No. It measures subjective daytime sleepiness, which can have many causes. A high score is a prompt to discuss sleep with a clinician, not a diagnosis.

What time period should I think about?⌄

Rate your usual way of life in recent times. If you have not done some activities recently, estimate how they would affect you.

Sources & validation

This calculator reproduces the published Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, validated for subjective average daytime sleepiness.

Johns MW. A new method for measuring daytime sleepiness: the Epworth sleepiness scale. Sleep 1991;14(6):540-545. — verified 2026-06-25

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